Van Dijk injury: Who can replace the Dutch centre-back at Liverpool?

Defending Premier League champions Liverpool have been dealt a major blow with Virgil van Dijk's ACL injury  centre-back sustained during  pulsating 2-2 draw against Everton on Saturday. Van Dijk's injury has brought to life Liverpool's worst fears after reports claim that Dutchman could be ruled out for remainder of 2020-21 season due to a rash challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

However, Liverpool have to identify Van Dijk's replacement at centre-back as soon as possible in this hectic season in order to maintain ir quest for glory. Here's a look at players in Liverpool squad that can fill massive void left by Van Dijk. 

Van Dijk injury: Who is ideal Van Dijk replacement at Liverpool? 

When Liverpool travelled to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Matchday 2, re was a defensive injury crisis, with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip ruled out of  game. This required Brazilian defensive midfielder Fabinho to step in and partner Van Dijk. Despite 26-year-old playing in a rar unfamiliar position, he mand to keep Chelsea's Timo Werner quiet for majority of game as Reds claimed crucial three points. 

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Van Dijk was full of praise for "outstanding" Fabinho after game. Fabinho has been used as an emergency centre-back at Liverpool in big games as well. Merseyside giants held Bayern Munich to a 0-0 draw in February 2019 without Van Dijk, while Fabinho completed 90 minutes at back. 

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When Van Dijk was subbed off against Everton, Jurgen Klopp brought on Joe Gomez. English defender came under heavy criticism following Liverpool's 7-2 hammering against Aston Villa just before international break but put in a solid display at weekend against Toffees. It's likely that Klopp will prefer Gomez over any or player at club to partner Joel Matip until Van Dijk returns. 

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Liverpool team news: Could Klopp use Henderson or Wijnaldum as centre-back options?

With Joel Matip also facing an injury problem, Klopp may have to use Jordan Henderson or Georginio Wijnaldum in an unfamiliar centre-back role. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson played at centre-back in Club World Cup semi-final against Monterrey back in December 2019. Gini Wijnaldum has also played in centre-back position for Liverpool in December 2017 which resulted in a win over Newcastle United. With availability of Thiago, Klopp can potentially use Henderson or Wijnaldum as a centre-back.

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Van Dijk injury: Liverpool youngsters to step up? 

Liverpool also have promising youth players including Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio as centre-back options. Klopp has often relied on giving youth players a chance at top level and injury-crisis could mean that its time for eir of two to be promoted to first-team squad. Williams played full 90 minutes against Arsenal in EFL Cup and looked firm in defence with Van Dijk. 

Im Credits - Jordan Henderson, Joe Gomez, Fabinho Instagram